title: The molecular basis of allergenicity.
abstract: Allergens are mostly innocuous antigens that elicit powerful T helper cell type 2 (Th2) responses leading to hyper-immunoglobulin E (IgE) production and allergy. Research carried out over several years has highlighted the possible role of the inherent protease activity, surface features and glycosylation patterns of allergens in the engagement of a Th2 signalling pathway. It is thought that allergens possess common features and patterns that enable them to be recognized by innate immune defences as Th2-inducing antigens. These events are further amplified by proteolytically active allergens through digestion of cell surface molecules involved in regulating innate and adaptive immune functions, favouring Th2 responses. A greater understanding of the molecular features that make proteins allergenic will help define new therapeutic targets aimed at blocking allergen recognition and protease activity.
authors.affiliation: Division of Immunology, School of Molecular Medical Sciences, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK. farouk.shakib@nottingham.ac.uk
authors.forename: Farouk
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Shakib
authors.forename: Amir M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Ghaemmaghami
authors.forename: Herb F
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Sewell
mesh_terms: D000220:Adaptation, Biological / Q000276:immunology; D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D006031:Glycosylation; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000276:immunology; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases / Q000378:metabolism; D013379:Substrate Specificity
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases